Others include American firm Kentagra, which has a nursery in Elburgon Township, Africhem in Nyandarua, Egerton University and Kenya Agricultural Livestock and Research Organisation’s Molo centre.

Botanical Extracts in Athi River and Stockman Rozen based in Naivasha are also seeking the regulator’s approval.

“We want to ensure the nursery operators are adhering to the best agronomical practices before we issue them with licences as we want our farmers to get it right and avoid losses due to bad seedlings after planting their materials,” said Dr Maina.

Nakuru is the home of pyrethrum with Molo sub-county being the leading growing area and is reputed for producing the highest pyrthrin content that attracts huge demand in the international market.